Board Members Present: Chair Kris Howatt, Shawn Farrens, Mayra Gómez, David Ligatich, Blake Petersen, and Holly Riegelmann
Recognitions
Classified Employees Week
To celebrate Classified Employees Week, the school board honored Oregon School Employees Association representative and GBSD staff member Tia Ross. Many thanks to our classified staff members for their work to ensure smooth operations and a vibrant learning environment.
Superintendent and District Leadership Team Update
Deputy Superintendent Tracy Klinger, who was filling in for Superintendent John Koch, provided an update on the district's budget development process. Budget development is underway as the district continues to monitor the state legislative session and decisions being made at the federal level.
There is some encouraging news. Initial projections for the Student Investment Account and High School Success funds indicate a potential increase. In addition, as we move into the spring, we are actively identifying and implementing strategies to offset or minimize expenses, particularly consumable supplies. We will continue to prioritize and identify areas for cost reduction throughout the remainder of the year, knowing that any savings now positively impact our financial situation for next year. Dr. Klinger encouraged everyone to stay informed about the legislative process and advocate for the critical needs of K-12 education.
Dr. Klinger also shared her appreciation for the district's incredible group of classified employees as the district celebrates Classified Appreciation Week! She shared that our schools simply could not function without the critical support provided by our custodians, secretaries, education assistants, and the many other dedicated professionals who serve in these vital roles.
Citizens’ Requests of the Board
Music teacher Tawni Craig shared her concerns regarding the impact doubling up classes (specials) has on students.
Physical education teacher Eun Cho shared his concerns regarding the impact doubling up classes (specials) has on teaching and learning.
Physical education teacher Sara Miller shared her concerns regarding the impact doubling up classes (specials) has on students.
Gresham High School freshman Mark Spolitak shared is concerns regarding the district's educational program.
APPROVED, the Personnel Report: Employee Contracts (pulled from the Consent Agenda)
REVIEWED, the 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-28 school year calendars as presented for first reading
APPROVED, ratifying Resolution 2025-11 adopting the 2024-25 supplemental budget for the debt service fund
APPROVED, the surplussing of three modular classroom buildings located on the Springwater Trail High School campus for the purpose of disposing of the property through a sealed bid process
APPROVED, for the board chair to submit an endorsement in support of the Mt. Hood Community College Bond on behalf of the Gresham-Barlow School District Board of Directors
Presentations
Lupine Community Montessori Charter School annual report
Representatives from Lupine Community Montessori Charter School presented their annual report. (Formerly known as the Lewis and Clark Montessori Charter School.) The report included information regarding goals and assessments relating to student performance and a look forward at the school year ahead.
View LCMCS Annual Report
Information Items
Student Transportation Services Update
Representatives from First Student, which provides our student transportation services, provided an update to the school board.
View Transportation Presentation
Upcoming Meetings
March 12, 2025
Board Work Session
6 pm
Location: Partnership Room - Center for Advanced Learning
March 19, 2025
Budget 101
7 pm
Location: Partnership Room - Center for Advanced Learning
March 24-28, 2025
Spring Break
No Board Meetings
April 2, 2025
Regular Board Meeting
7pm
Council Chambers - Public Safety and Schools Building
Can't Attend Board Meetings?
You can watch regular school board meetings LIVE on the GBSD Website. Look for the link on the homepage in the District News section!
You can also watch regular school board meetings LIVE on Comcast cable channel 27 and Frontier cable channel 35. MetroEast Community Media replays the board meeting at the following times:
Second Showing-Monday at 7 pm.
Third Showing-The following Thursday at 4 pm.
If you live in Damascus-
Board meetings are shown on Willamette Falls TV for patrons in the Damascus area. They are scheduled for cablecast on channel 23 every Saturday at 1 pm.
